Bird and wildlife watching

Tuhua is home to many native bird and animal species which cannot survive on the mainland due to predation. Large populations of common forest birds also live on the island. Recent introductions of pateke / brown teal and the endangered orange-fronted parakeet have led to succesful breeding poulations on the island.

Diving and snorkelling

The variety of marine habitats around the island give opportunities for good snorkelling and diving. Reefs and rock stacks on the northern end of the island are protected as a marine reserve and offer particularly good diving.

Fishing

Non-commercial fishing is very popular around the island, with oceanic fish such as marlin and tuna, also snapper and kingfish in good numbers at the right time of year. Restrictions on long-lines and set nets are in place around the entire island, so please check with Ministry of Fisheries or DOC in Tauranga if you're unsure. Stay well clear of the marine reserve on the northern end of the island when fishing - it's illegal to fish, or to disturb or remove any marine life or nature feature from the reserve.

Accommodation is comfortable but basic

Staying on the island

It's possible to stay at Tuhua during summer between Labour Weekend and Easter. Accommodation must be booked in advance through the the DOC office in Tauranga.

Walking and tramping

You can explore the island via a good track network, including tracks to Northwest Bay, the crater, and the crater rim. A map and track information are available from the caretaker and from DOC in Tauranga.

You must let the the caretaker know your intentions before leaving Southeast Bay. Make sure you take a map, adequate provisions and good fitness - the island is remote and there is no cell phone coverage if you get lost.

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About this place

Nature and conservation

Aerial view of the island

Volcanic history

Tuhua (Mayor Island) has a remarkable history of violent volcanic upheaval. The island is the summit of a volcano rising from the sea floor and frequent eruptions over the past 120,000 years (the last one was about 6,000 years ago) have produced the great variety of landforms seen today.

Lakes have formed in the island crater

Opuahau, the highest peak, reaches 354 metres and the volcanic crater contains two lakes, both near sea level. Lake Aroarotamahine is green and Lake Te Paritu almost black.

Much-prized obsidian

The most striking feature of the volcanic rocks of Tuhua is the black obsidian. This is a natural glass formed by the rapid cooling of silica-rich lava. Obsidian was prized by early Maori for cutting and scraping tools and weapons, and has been found at Māori occupation sites as far afield as Tiwai Pt in the south to the Kermadec islands in the north.

The name Tuhua has a double significance: it applies to the locality itself and also to its glassy black obsidian. Tuhua was the ancient name for Me'etia Island in the traditional homeland of Hawaiki, which was also a source of obsidian. Such a valuable resource meant the island was permanently occupied despite scarcity of water and lack of land suitable for cultivation.

Its 1,277 hectare terrain is very rough with rock ridges, narrow gullies and very little flat land. The island and its valuable obsidian were fought over in many raids and tribal battles. The last permanent residents who moved to the mainland in 1901, were the hapu of Whānau A Tauwhao. They continued to visit the island frequently and planted crops to provision fishing parties. In more recent years Maori and Pakeha fishers have used Tuhua as a big game and commercial fishing base.

Safe haven for wildlife

The island has had the conservation status of a wildlife refuge since 1953 and is administered by the Tūhua Trust Board, whom represent the owners. It has healthy populations of nectar-feeding bellbirds and tūī, and wood pigeons. Other native birds include the morepork and fantail, the kākā (brown parrot), grey warbler, waxeye, kingfisher and pied stilt and, soaring on the thermals, the harrier hawk. In summer the shining cuckoo is also seen and heard in good numbers. A marine reserve was created off the northern end of the island in 1993.

Tuhua has also become a safe haven for threatened bird species from the mainland. North Island robins were released in 2003. Pateke (brown teal) and North Island brown kiwi were also re-introduced to the island in 2006. All appear to be establishing successful breeding populations. Orange Fronted Parakeets / kākāriki were introduced during 2009/10.

The water clarity (situated 26 kilometres off the Bay of Plenty Coast, Tūhua's distance from human populations has meant relatively pollution-free waters) means a wide range of marine plants thrive and there is a great diversity of fish. These include open water migratory species, fish found throughout New Zealand waters and several sub-tropical species.

History and culture

Tuhua is the ancestral home of Te Whānau A Tauwhao ki Tūhua. It is privately owned and is administered by the Tuhua Trust Board on behalf of its beneficiaries.

Tuhua is also the Māori name of obsidian and is one of the few places in Aotearoa where this important precolonial resource can be found. Te Whānau A Tauwhao consider themselves the guardians of the island’s resources and prohibit the unauthorised removal of the jet black glassy stone.

Kaitiakitanga or guardianship is a concept that is deeply embedded in Maori lore. The Trust takes this responsibility seriously and is actively involved in maintaining the island’s natural character as much as possible.

Manaakitanga or hospitality is another important concept that easily aligns with guardianship. The Trust welcomes visitors to share the unique experiences associated with the island. Its pristine waters and rugged natural environment are available for everyone to share and enjoy.

Getting there

Landing on the island is by permission of the owners (Tūhua Trust Board) only. Several charter companies run trips to the island.

Know before you go

You must not land on the island without prior permission from the owners. Landing is only permitted at South East Bay, and only when a caretaker is present over the summer months.

There are strict quarantine regulations in place, so all visitors are required to report to the caretaker on arrival. No cargo or luggage is to be brought ashore without the permission of the caretaker. Cargo or luggage should be brought ashore during daylight and unpacked in the unpacking enclosure. Charter boat operators should contact DOC for more detailed quarantine procedures prior to planning any visit to Tuhua.